Looks

Shape Shape Shape Shape

February 9, 2015

Shape Shape Shape Shape is a collaboration of Raleigh-based Ali Gibbons and Scott Reinhard. The handmade wearables are made from high-quality porcelain or stoneware, brass, and hand-dyed 100% cotton rope.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. We are Ali Gibbons and Scott Reinhard and together we make wearables in a project called Shape Shape Shape Shape. Recently, we moved from Chicago to Raleigh, North Carolina. We live with our dog and cat in a little bungalow close to the center of downtown Raleigh.

Our collaboration came about naturally, and after working together in a shared studio for a year, we started to toss the idea of wearables around. We launched the SSSS site in late 2014 and are thrilled with where the project is going.

What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on? Currently we’re working on a batch of new shapes and colors. A few of the newest shapes are headed to a pop-up shop in LA that we’re very excited about. We’re also excited to collaborate with a few artists to design limited edition necklaces later in the year.

How did your interest in art or fashion begin? Ali – I think we both have been interested in art since we were young. I knew I wanted to be an artist and began seeking out new mediums early on. I received a BFA from The School of the Art Institute with a focus in painting and ceramics. I recently started a line of ceramics and textiles under the moniker Line Line Co.

Scott – I have been working as a graphic artist for almost a decade. Before moving to North Carolina, I worked for the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for 4.5 years, before leaving to work with artists, museums, and other organizations in publication, interactive, and environmental graphic design. I am currently a graduate student in the College of Design at North Carolina State University, the reason for our move to Raleigh.

If you had to explain your work or brand to a stranger, what would you say? Porcelain and hand dyed rope wearables with big shapes, primary and bold colors. Our shapes are inspired by art, modern sculpture, and architecture.

What materials do you use in your work and what is your process like? It took a lot of work to streamline the process. We draw up a shape, create a custom die, and then extrude the clay. The extrusions are then cut, sanded, fired, sanded, glazed, and finally high fired in a gas kiln. We work in mainly porcelain, but also are experimenting with other types of clay and have enjoyed the variation. For the rope, we did a painstaking search to find just the perfect type of 100% cotton rope material which we then hand dye.

What artists or designers are you interested in right now? Pretty prevalent in our work has been the shapes of Brancusi, some Memphis group, Calder, and Sol Lewitt, among other modern and post-modern masters. But we’re also quite inspired by our friend’s work including Courtney Reagor, Clay Hickson, Chad Kouri, the activities of the former Object Design League, and Ben Medansky. There’s also a whole slew of artist working in clay right now that we’re crushin’ on. Thanks to Instagram and blogs, we discover new artists all the time.

What’s your favorite thing about your city? We moved to Raleigh in August and our favorite thing is that it still feels new. It’s nice we don’t know every gallery or bar and the surrounding areas have a lot of charm that we have yet to explore. Also, it’s warm here and after 8+ years of Chicago’s winters, it feels right.

What is your snack/beverage of choice when working in your studio? Our work usually starts with a big pot of tea and some handmade mugs. Hummus is our favorite studio snack. And pickles.

What are you really excited about right now? We’re looking forward to applying to our first round of summer craft/design shows across the country. We’re eager to get our work into people’s hands [they’re great objects to hold] and excited to meet other maker-folks. SSSS will also be carried in a few stores this year and we can’t wait to announce those partnerships.

What are you listening to right now?At the moment we’re into Steve Gunn, Luluc, and Fleetwood Mac on repeat.